About Le Marche
About Le Marche | Holidays in Italy
What to do in Le Marche, the green heart of Italy? This stunning region is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Think of the landscapes of Tuscany – but without the crowds. During your holiday in Le Marche, you’ll enjoy peace, space, and the true Italian way of life.
Discover charming villages, rolling hills, beaches, and scenic wine routes. The people are genuinely welcoming, and life moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace. Le Marche – also known as The Marches – is the ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic Italian holiday.
Want more tips? Take a look at our holiday inspiration for Le Marche.
Where is Le Marche in Italy?
Le Marche is located in central Italy, beautifully positioned between the Adriatic Sea and the rugged Apennine Mountains. This region, home to the Monte Sibillini range, offers a unique combination of coastline and mountains. To the north, Le Marche borders Emilia-Romagna and the tiny republic of San Marino. Tuscany lies to the northwest, Umbria to the west, and further south you’ll find Abruzzo and Lazio.
It’s the perfect location for travellers who want to enjoy both nature and culture during their holiday in Le Marche.
Le Marche is known as the green heart of Italy. This diverse region has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday: sun, sea, rolling hills, picturesque villages, and the charm of authentic Italy.
Photo: Destinazione Marche
In addition to mountains and beaches, Le Marche is home to beautiful historic cities such as Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Ancona, and the cultural gem Urbino.
Photo: Viva la Casa
Le Marche boasts no less than 180 kilometres of coastline along the Adriatic Sea. In summer, you can enjoy the beach here right alongside the locals.
Photo: Viva la Casa
Le Marche is located in central Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines, featuring the impressive Monte Sibillini mountain range.
Photo: Destinazione Marche
Le Marche: nature, mountains and coastline in eastern Italy
Le Marche combines everything Italy is famous for: sun, sea, mountains, culture, and nature. This surprisingly diverse region offers the best of both worlds – the peace of the countryside and the charm of the coast. You'll find rugged peaks, long sandy beaches, atmospheric towns and picturesque villages, all surrounded by unspoiled landscapes.
The scenery in Le Marche is like a colourful patchwork quilt. Endless beaches along the Adriatic Sea blend into rolling hills, fertile farmland, vineyards, orchards, and vast natural areas. The majestic Apennines – including the Monte Sibillini range – provide a stunning backdrop for hiking and outdoor adventures.
With 180 kilometres of coastline and 26 seaside resorts, Le Marche is also a perfect beach destination. Sixteen beaches have been awarded the ‘Bandiera Blu’ – the Blue Flag – a European quality mark for clean and safe swimming water.
Historic hilltop villages in Le Marche
The rolling hills of Le Marche are dotted with ancient fortresses, castles, and churches. The region is home to eighteen of Italy’s most beautiful villages, the borghi più belli d’Italia, where you can wander narrow alleys and feel history come alive. Traces of Greek, Roman and medieval influences are visible everywhere in the architecture and atmosphere.
For nature lovers, Le Marche offers nearly 90,000 hectares of protected nature, spread across national parks and reserves. These are connected by a vast network of walking, cycling and horseback trails – perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors.
The iconic green hills of Le Marche roll across the landscape like a patchwork quilt – with the majestic Monti Sibillini rising in the distance.
Photo: Destinazione Marche
Sixteen beaches along the Adriatic coast in Le Marche have been awarded the ‘Bandiera Blu’ – the quality label for clean swimming water and well-maintained beaches.
Photo: Destinazione Marche
In the heart of the Monti Sibillini mountains lies the Piano Grande – an impressive high plain measuring 5 by 8 kilometres at an altitude of 1,250 metres. In spring, it transforms into a breathtaking sea of flowers – a colourful spectacle you won't want to miss.
Photo: Viva la Casa
For active nature lovers, Le Marche is a true paradise. With nearly 90,000 hectares of national parks and an extensive network of hiking, cycling, and riding trails, there’s something new to discover every day.
Photo: Danilo Antonini.
Le Marche: one region, three faces
The name Le Marche comes from the Old Germanic word Marka, meaning “borderland.” In the 11th century, these “marches” marked the outer edge of the Holy Roman Empire. That’s how the Marca di Ancona, Marca di Fermo and Marca di Camerino were born – together forming “Le Marche.” Today, the region consists of five provinces: Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno.
Le Marche can roughly be divided into three areas, each with its own character:
Northern Le Marche
Between Pesaro, Fano and the inland hills, you’ll find a varied landscape of forests, hills and mountains – a paradise for nature lovers. Explore national parks like Sasso Simone e Simoncello and the dramatic scenery around the Furlo Gorge. Culture seekers can visit the historic city of Urbino, a charming university town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Le Marche
Between Ancona and the inland valleys, the landscape opens up with wide plains and mountain views. Along the coast, Monte Conero offers spectacular beaches and hidden coves near resorts like Sirolo and Numana. Enjoy crystal-clear waters and a laid-back vibe mostly shared with Italian beachgoers. A must-see in this area: the Frasassi Caves – the largest stalactite caves in Europe. Ancona, with its lively harbour and rich cultural history, is also well worth a visit.
Southern Le Marche
The south is more rugged, with higher hills, vineyards, and the impressive Monti Sibillini on the horizon. The area around Offida is known for its wine production, while the surroundings of Ascoli Piceno feature striking rock formations called the Calanchi. Along the coast lies the Riviera delle Palme – the Palm Riviera – with wide sandy beaches, palm-lined boulevards and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
For culture lovers, Ascoli Piceno is a real gem. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, this historic city is home to what many call the most beautiful square in Italy: Piazza del Popolo. Don’t miss Caffè Meletti, an Art Nouveau icon where you can enjoy a cappuccino or aperitivo with a view of the square.
In the north of Le Marche, the university city of Urbino is well worth a visit.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
This area is also home to the Sasso Simone and Simoncello national parks.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
In the central part of Le Marche, you can soak up culture in the impressive port city of Ancona.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
This area is famous for its beautiful Adriatic beaches at the foot of Monte Conero, just south of Ancona.
Photo: Viva la Casa
Besides relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, you can also cool off in the impressive Frasassi Caves – the largest stalactite caves in Europe.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
In the south of Le Marche, the landscape becomes more rugged, with higher hills, varied vegetation, and the enchanting Monti Sibillini always in the background.
Photo: Viva la Casa
The southern provincial capital Ascoli Piceno is a true gem. This charming historic city is best known for its stunning Piazza del Popolo – considered by many to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
Photo: Turismo Marche.
Between Offida and Ascoli Piceno, you'll find a striking landscape of jagged, rocky hills: the Calanchi. A spectacular natural phenomenon that’s sure to leave an impression.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
The southern coast of Le Marche is pure enjoyment too, with long sandy beaches and wide palm-lined boulevards along the beautiful Riviera delle Palme.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
On the beaches of southern Le Marche, you'll experience that true Mediterranean holiday feeling – sun, sea, palm trees, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
Culinary Delights in Le Marche
Le Marche is a true culinary gem. This region is bursting with local specialties – from artisanal cured meats and fresh truffles to fragrant olive oil and outstanding wines. For food lovers, it’s one big celebration.
In Italy, everything revolves around shared meals – and in Le Marche, you’ll feel that in every bite. How special is it to truly become part of that food culture during your holiday? To experience the pure Italian kitchen, local delicacies and time-honoured traditions at the table? There’s no better place to do so than here.
If you book a holiday home or apartment through us, you can take part in a variety of culinary experiences. Taste, learn and enjoy everything Le Marche has to offer – from wine tastings to cooking workshops using fresh local ingredients.
In short, Le Marche is the perfect destination for anyone who loves good food, great wine and an authentic Italian atmosphere.
The signature dish of Le Marche? Olive Ascolane! These large green olives are stuffed with seasoned meat, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside, savoury on the inside – a must-try delicacy.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.
At the beach chalets along the Le Marche coast, you’ll enjoy the most delicious seafood dishes – like a generous antipasto di mare full of fresh flavours. It doesn’t get any fresher than this – a culinary treat with a sea view!
Photo: Viva la Casa
A true pride of Le Marche is Maccheroncini di Campofilone – an ultra-thin, silky pasta from the coastal village of Campofilone. This fine spaghetti is famous throughout Italy and loved for its delicate texture and pure flavour.
Photo: Viva la Casa
Looking for an unforgettable truffle experience? Head into the mountains of Le Marche, where locals passionately hunt for the "white gold." Here, you’ll discover for yourself why this delicacy is so beloved.
Photo: Destinazione Marche
In nearly every restaurant in Le Marche, your meal begins with a board full of top-quality local cured meats: prosciutto, artisanal salami, ciauscolo, and lonza. A delicious start to a typical Marche-style dinner!
Photo: Viva la Casa
From September onwards, it’s harvest time in Le Marche: olives are picked and immediately pressed into fresh extra virgin olive oil. At local frantoi – traditional olive mills – you can taste and buy this pure oil, often at surprisingly friendly prices.
Photo: Viva la Casa
Around Offida, in the south of Le Marche, you'll find some of the region’s finest wineries. Top wines like the crisp Passerina, aromatic Pecorino, and robust Rosso Piceno are produced here. A wine tour through this area is an absolute must!
Photo: Viva la Casa
Pecorino – the famous Italian sheep’s cheese – is also a staple in Le Marche. At local dairy farms, you’ll find it in all kinds of varieties, from young and creamy to sharp and aged. A true regional delicacy!
Photo: Viva la Casa